Chris Maxwell

A drug-fuelled dog bite victim hurled vile racist abuse at a doctor - before spitting in his face as he continued to try to treat her injuries.

Claire McCluskey was high on Ecstacy and frothing at the mouth when she launched the ‘appalling’ attack on the medic as well as a staff nurse and a police officer who brought her to hospital.

We operate a zero tolerance policy regarding violence and aggression in all forms towards our staff.

Steve Jamieson, South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust

The 37-year-old had to be sedated four times in order for the wound to her right arm to be assessed before she underwent surgery.

McCluskey, of Longstaff Gardens, South Shields, admitted two charges of common assault, one charge of assaulting a police officer and a further count of using abusive language that was racially aggravated when she appeared before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard that emergency services had been called to a taxi firm in South Shields at 10am on Sunday, February 28 after reports McCluskey had been attacked by a dog.

She was taken to hospital by police due to her aggressive behaviour.

Lee Poppett, prosecuting, said: “Staff nurse Shauna Revill entered the assessment room and was swore at by McCluskey who then spat at her, hitting her in the body.

“Dr Sanjay Kumar was then racially abused by the defendant. He decided she should be sedated while she was treated.

“She was frothing at the mouth and spat at the doctor, the nurse and a police constable, hitting the doctor and the police officer in the face and the nurse in the neck.

Joanne Gatens, defending, said: “This is an appalling incident. She is thoroughly ashamed of her actions and is deeply remorseful.”

Speaking after the case, Steve Jamieson, South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust’s Director of Corporate Services and Estates, said: “We operate a zero tolerance policy regarding violence and aggression in all forms towards our staff and we always seek prosecution in such circumstances.”

McCluskey was given a 12-month community order, an £80 fine and must pay £150 compensation.